Here are a few pointers to help you write an email that will get your reader’s attention — and the response you need.
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Slide 1: Slide
EngelsMiddelbare schoolvmbo kLeerjaar 3
This lesson contains 12 slides, with interactive quizzes and text slides.
Lesson duration is: 15 min
Items in this lesson
E-mail Raise your voice
How to send a request by email
Here are a few pointers to help you write an email that will get your reader’s attention — and the response you need.
Slide 1 - Slide
E-mail Raise your voice
1: Use the subject line to your advantage
First things first: The subject line is there for a reason. Use it to clearly let the recipient know why you just added another email to his or her inbox. A vague subject line (like “Have a question”) isn’t helpful and can be irritating. Instead, let the recipient know specifically why you have sent the email. For example: “Need your advice: organising a protest.”
Slide 2 - Slide
E-mail Raise your voice
2: Greet your reader before making requests
I often get emails from people that immediately launch into a request, demand, or question without bothering to first say, “Good morning” or even simply, “Hi”. It doesn’t hurt to mention something personal before making your request: “Good morning, Jacob. How was your weekend? It was great gardening weather — I hope you were able to make the most of it!” These greetings are short and simple, but they show that you're interested in the recipient.
Slide 3 - Slide
E-mail Raise your voice
3: Remember what you learned in English lessons
If your request is urgent, it can be tempting to write an email in a hurry with hastily written sentences. If you find yourself doing this, stop. Take a deep breath. When asking for something, the last thing you want to do is make it difficult for someone to understand your request. The fix is simple: Write complete and correct sentences.
Slide 4 - Slide
E-mail Raise your voice
4: Don’t write a novel
It's entirely possible to make your request in just a few sentences, rather than several paragraphs. Always write a first draft, then consider taking some sentences out to make it easier to read. Then, take a look at the final product and ask yourself if the request is clear.
Slide 5 - Slide
E-mail Raise your voice
Keep your request friendly, to the point, and well-written and you’ll have a much better chance of getting a 'yes' to your request.
Slide 6 - Slide
Wat is een belangrijk onderdeel van een Engelse e-mail?
A
Verwijzen naar persoonlijke problemen in de onderwerpregel
B
Onderwerpregel met een duidelijke beschrijving
C
Het schrijven van de e-mail in de vorm van een gedicht
D
Gebruik van emoji's in de onderwerpregel
Slide 7 - Quiz
Hoe moet je de toon van een Engelse e-mail bepalen?
A
Afhankelijk van de professionele relatie met de ontvanger
B
Altijd formeel en afstandelijk
C
Altijd informeel en humoristisch
D
Geheel afhankelijk van je eigen stemming op dat moment
Slide 8 - Quiz
What is a common way to open an English email?
A
Hello,
B
To whom it may concern,
C
Dear Mr. Smith,
D
Hey there!
Slide 9 - Quiz
What is an appropriate closing for a formal English email?